Editing Buckner, Kentucky (section)

== History ==

=== Founding and Early History ===
Buckner's history began in the early 1800s when settlers arrived through Old Brownsboro Road and established a settlement that was named "La Fayetteville." In 1820 early settler William P. Rodman sold 120 acres to Mitchell Overstreet, who opened a general store and a small village. By 1826, La Fayetteville had a blacksmith, general store, tavern, church, and sawmill. The town campaigned to be the county seat but lost to La Grange. By 1880, "Buckner Station," named for the Buckner family, was shortened to "Buckner." In 1874, it was populated by 250 residents with a steam sawmill, two distilleries, two churches, and a seminary. John George Klein, an immigrant from Germany, opened the first commercial winery in Oldham County at Buckner in 1886.

The Louisville & Eastern Electric Railroad was brought to Oldham County in the early 1900s, from Crestwood to Buckner and on to La Grange by 1906. The line was a commuter railroad featuring livestock cars and baggage cars transporting milk and cream. A court battle and final agreement over land rights in Buckner with the L&N Railroad allowed the extension of the Electric Railroad. Education also changed with Buckner, as there was an early school on the west side of Cedar Point Road, then a two-story brick school built at the site of the present Oldham County High School.<ref>History & Families Oldham County, Kentucky. (1996). Turner Publishing Company.</ref>

Buckner resident J.T. Clifton remembers his boyhood when the interurban streetcar from Louisville to La Grange would make frequent stops. His family operated a dairy near what is now the industrial park at KY 146 and I-71. Clifton saw a number of changes, including the replacement of oil lamps by carbide lights and the paving of KY 146 in 1929. At one time Buckner boasted three general stores and one of the county's oldest post offices, run by Sam Leet. The Clifton place, with a house built sometime between 1875 and 1900, featured an old wine cellar converted to use as a smokehouse. Clifton also remembers “hobos” stopping for food and milk and adventures driving to Louisville for oysters and entertainment. Lumber from the L&N depot was repurposed for a house still standing on KY 146 in La Grange.<ref>Oldham County Guide. (1983, May). The Oldham Era, p. 2.</ref>

=== Modern History ===
Shaw's Grocery, a small, family-run general store, was a pillar of the neighborhood for many years. In addition to offering groceries and other necessities for the home in a welcoming, individualized environment, it functioned as a hub for residents. Shaw's Grocery closed despite its success as bigger chain stores appeared nearby, indicating shifts in the local economy. Although the store's closure signaled the end of an era, many longtime Buckner residents still have pleasant memories of it.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pool |first=Christi |title=Shaw's Grocery |work=Metro}}</ref>

Another existing business in Buckner, Torbitt & Castleman, maker of syrups and barbecue sauce, has again expanded its facilities with a new 17,000 square foot building that will bring in six new jobs as most of the work will be done by automation.

Of course, Buckner is also home to such manufacturers and business concerns as U.S. Housing Components, the Rigo Co., Catalyst Technology, East & Westbrook and a number of smaller businesses.

Buckner has two industrial parks: one owned by Torbitt & Castleman, and the other across the railroad tracks, closer to Interstate 71.<ref>Buckner best known for schools, business. (1992, June). The Oldham Era, p. 22.</ref><ref>Buckner houses schools, youth sports fields (1994, June 30). The Oldham Era, p. A26.</ref>

One of Buckner's biggest claims to fame is the John Black Community Center, Aquatic Center, and the Lost World Playground. The playground, designed by children in Oldham County, was built in 2003 by volunteers from the community to help give kids in the area a new space to play.<ref>Ellis, L. (2003, June 18). Help needed to realize playground dream. Courier Journal.</ref><ref>Center of it all. (1996, June 27). The Oldham Era, p. A22</ref>

In 2022, the Oldham County Aquatic Center pool closed for a massive renovation. It reopened on Memorial Day weekend 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayes |first=Jamie |date=2024-03-29 |title=Oldham County Aquatic Center expected to open Memorial Day weekend |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/oldham-county-aquatic-center-reopen-memorial-day-weekend/60190982 |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=WLKY |language=en}}</ref>

On November 1, 2024, a new 100,000-square-foot Kroger grocery store opened in Buckner, just off of I-71 on Highway 393. The $35 million facility features a drive-thru pharmacy, Little Clinic, Starbucks, and a fuel center. The centerpiece inside is an 8' tall community mural by Louisville artist Amie Villiger Harris honoring Yew Dell Gardens, Kentucky's state bird-the Cardinal-and state flower-the Goldenrod. This is the first Kroger to open in Buckner; the nearest one to date has been in La Grange.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=Danielle |date=2023-11-02 |title=Highly anticipated Kroger opens its doors to the Buckner community |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/buckner-kroger-opens-kentucky-grocery-store/45714103 |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=WLKY |language=en}}</ref>